"What a piece of work! Depression? She's just scheming and rotten inside! Who's she putting on this sick act for!"
I slid down against the door, coughing violently. In my palm—a smear of dark red.
I pulled out a utility knife and measured it against my wrist.
Too shallow. Not enough. Wait a little longer.
Three days later, Colin came. He brought gifts and a detailed engagement schedule.
"Uncle, Auntie, I brought bird's nest and cordyceps for you."
He set everything down.
"Georgia hasn't been feeling well lately. Thank you for looking after her."
Mom sat in the main seat and snorted.
"Not feeling well? Rich-person problems. Back when she did farm work, I never heard her complaining about this and that."
Colin's smile faltered. He glanced at me. I kept my head down, twisting the hem of my shirt.
"Hey, brother-in-law!"
Caroline squeezed up beside him and hooked her arm through his.
"I heard you do investments? Check out my Dylan!"
"His singing is amazing. We're all family now—just casually throw in a few million, put out an album?"
Colin pulled his arm free.
"Sorry, I invest in the real economy. I'm not familiar with entertainment."
Caroline's face darkened. She turned to Mom.
"Mom! Did you hear that? Who does he think he is?"
Mom set her teacup down hard.
"Colin, you're about to be family. You won't even help with this little thing?"
"And that three hundred thousand in bride price you gave Georgia—it still hasn't hit our account. Care to explain?"
I jerked my head up.
"What bride price? That three hundred thousand was my—"
"Shut up!"
Mom glared daggers at me, then turned back to Colin, eyes calculating.
"We want another sixty-six thousand as a 'leaving-mother fee.' And it goes directly into my hands."
"And also, don't you have a few vacant apartments under your name?"
"Transfer one to Carrie as her dowry. A little gesture from Georgia."
"Mom!"
I shot to my feet.
"Are you selling your daughter?! Colin has already given plenty. That three hundred thousand is my own money!"
"Shut your mouth!"
Mom flew into a rage, grabbed the ashtray, and hurled it at me.
Bang.
It hit my forehead. Warm liquid ran down, and my vision turned blood-red.
"Georgia!"
Colin rushed over and caught me, pressing the wound as he glared at Mom.
"Ma'am! What are you doing? She's your biological daughter!"
"Biological daughter?"
Mom pointed at me.